College of San Mateo
Official Course Outline
1. COURSE ID: ART 209
TITLE: Portrait Drawing II
Semester Units/Hours: 3.0 units; a minimum of 32.0 lecture hours/semester; a minimum of 48.0 lab
hours/semester; a minimum of 16.0 tba hours/semester
Method of Grading: Grade Option (Letter Grade or P/NP)
Prerequisite: ART 208
Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 838 or 848.
2. COURSE DESIGNATION:
Degree Credit
Transfer credit: CSU
3. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
Catalog Description:
Advanced portrait characterizations, expanding upon the drawing techniques of Portrait Drawing I. Further
enhancements of drawings based upon astute studies of the anatomy of the head and faces. Individualized
instruction is emphasized. Studio drawing sessions of male and female live models.
4. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOME(S) (SLO'S):
Upon successful completion of this course, a student will meet the following outcomes:
1. Develop a personal approach or style to portraiture through advanced techniques, skills and aesthetics.
2. Explore the visual and technical possibilities of portraiture through a specific medium.
3. Create a cohesive body of portraiture that summarizes your stylistic and aesthetic choices.
4. Analyze and critique your own and other portraits with references to contemporary and historical
portraiture practices through group discussions, critique sessions, research, visiting exhibitions and writing.
5. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:
1. Develop an intermediate to advanced understanding of the communicative abilities of images based upon
characterizations of the human face.
2. Articulate intermediate to advanced interpretations based upon analysis of the visual elements identified
within a drawing and the construction of contexts of understanding for defining the observed elements.
3. Acquire advanced skills for better control of the various drawing techniques that integrate size, shape,
placement, color, and value in achieving a likeness and cohesive appearance.
4. Integrate personal perspectives and practical methodologies to produce personally meaningful works
6. COURSE CONTENT:
Lecture Content:
I. Understanding the Art of drawing
Perception and understanding: "how we understand what we see".
Importance of personal histories, cultural backgrounds, etc., as factors which impact understandings
How "meaning" is created for images
How meanings are changed or manipulated by specific image elements, such as subject choice,
points-of-view, lighting effects, compositional techniques, etc.
II. Using drawn images as a means of communication:
"Visual Vocabulary": the associated understandings of image and ideas
Control of imagery to convey specific ideas
Application of specific drawing techniques to achieve desire communicative effect.
III. Methods of image construction:
Criteria for designing images to share ideas with viewers
Variations and experimentation in composition methods or methods of organizing a drawing using
the human face
Sophistication of the content and related composition concepts: likeness, proportion, measurements
and structures, etc.
Examination of art works to exemplify "how they work" as communication media (relationships of
Examination of art works to exemplify "how they work" as communication media (relationships of
content, context and composition).
IV. Drawing techniques:
More keenly made observations and analysis of how are shapes created by changes in lighting values
and related drawing techniques
Further development of eye-hand coordination.
Explorations in advanced methods to depict representations of faces, character and other aspects of
portraits
Advanced exercises to better understand and use methods of perspective, proportions and
foreshortening.
Further investigations of the relationships of color, values, light and shadows.
Evaluations of representations of the male and female face, as impacting viewer perceptions and
interpretations
V. Materials and media used in drawing
Drawing instruments and tools
Selection and use of media used in drawings
Selection, preparation and use of materials upon which to draw
VI. Methods of presentation of finished works
Considerations of long-term preservation methods
Framing, matting and other presentation methods.
Lab Content:
1. The use of various drawing media, which may include charcoal, graphite, Conte Crayon, and ink to
represent the human form.
2. Observational drawings from anatomical models employing a foundational principles and practices of
sighting and measurement, proportional studies, contour and gesture, descriptive value, and development
of volume.
3. Critique and evaluation of drawing assignments and exercises.
4. Expressive drawings from the live model.
TBA Hours Content:
The student may typically fulfill the required "Hours by Arrangement" with the following suggested
activities:
1. Directed projects to draw specific types of images, subjects, compositional techniques, or other artistic
objectives.
2. Directed technical exercises to improve drawing skills, techniques and use of materials.
3. Collaborative projects with other students to investigate artistic endeavors using the drawing media.
4. Any other projects approved by the instructor.
7. REPRESENTATIVE METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
Typical methods of instruction may include:
A. Lecture
B. Lab
C. Activity
D. Critique
E. Directed Study
F. Discussion
G. Field Trips
H. Individualized Instruction
I. Observation and Demonstration
8. REPRESENTATIVE ASSIGNMENTS
Representative assignments in this course may include, but are not limited to the following:
Writing Assignments:
Gallery or field-trip reports.
Research selected topics for technical or creative objectives.
Reflective, analytical and/or critical writings to discuss issues and concepts related to drawn images used
as a means of communication.
Reading Assignments:
Reading assignments of college-level materials: textbooks, technical literature, internet resources,
instructor-generated materials, etc.
To be Arranged Assignments (if applicable):
The student may typically fulfill the required "Hours by Arrangement" with the following suggested activities in the art
studios at CSM:
A. Directed projects to draw specific types of images, subjects, compositional techniques, or other artistic objectives.
B. Directed technical exercises to improve drawing skills, techniques and use of materials.
C. Collaborative projects with other students to investigate artistic endeavors using the drawing media.
D. Any other projects approved by the instructor.
9. REPRESENTATIVE METHODS OF EVALUATION
Representative methods of evaluation may include:
A. Class Participation
B. Class Work
C. Exams/Tests
D. Field Trips
E. Group Projects
F. Homework
G. Lab Activities
H. Papers
I. Portfolios
J. Projects
K. Quizzes
10. REPRESENTATIVE TEXT(S):
Possible textbooks include:
A. Hoggett, S.. How to Draw and Paint Portraits: Learn how to draw people through taught example, with
more than 400 superb photographs and practical exercises, each designed to help you develop your skills,
1st ed. Leicester: Southwater, 2013
B. Chambers, T., Goldman, K., Habets, P., Richlin. L.. The Art of Drawing & Painting Portraits: Create
realistic heads, faces & features in pencil, pastel, watercolor, oil & acrylic, 1st ed. Minneapolis: Walter
Foster, 2012
Origination Date: September 2013
Curriculum Committee Approval Date: November 2012
Effective Term: Fall 2014
Course Originator: Rebecca Alex